Natural remedies for Hiatus Hernia

Posted by editor07 on Wednesday 01 Apr 2009

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Hiatus Hernia is a common ailment that is estimated to affect almost 50% of individuals above the age of 60 years. It is the dislocation of a part of the stomach through the opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes from the chest to the abdominal cavity. This condition causes a part of the upper wall of the stomach to obtrude the diaphragm at a point where the gullet passes from the chest area to the abdomen.

Hiatus Hernia is characterized by pain behind the breast bone, on the left side of the chest, base of the throat, right lower ribs and behind the right shoulder blade. The pain tends to increase when the individual stoops or lies down causing a great deal of discomfort. Other symptoms of this ailment include flatulence, heartburn after a meal, bloating, fullness of stomach and discomfort in swallowing food.

Natural treatment for Hiatus Hernia:
Diet: The diet of an individual suffering from hiatus hernia should compThe diet of an individual suffering from hiatus hernia should comprise of whole grain cereals, fresh fruits, lightly cooked or steamed vegetables, nuts and seeds. Processed, spicy and baked foods such as pickles, confectionery items and fatty foods should be eliminated from the diet. Smoking and intake of alcohol should also be avoided. Individuals suffering from Hiatus Hernia should avoid taking water with meals and must split their meals into 4-5 smaller portions instead of large ones. They need to chew the food well and avoid gobbling it down.

Foods that help treat Hiatus Hernia: Make thick rice gruel and take it with a glass of buttermilk and one ripe banana to treat hiatus hernia. This helps enhance digestion and treats the various symptoms associated with this ailment. Carrot juice helps soothe the stomach and aids in the digestion of food. It is recommended to drink a glass of fresh carrot juice half an hour prior to each meal.

Relaxation: It is very important for individuals suffering from this condition to take out adequate time for relaxation. Meditation and deep breathing exercises help in treating this condition and ensure the overall wellbeing of the body.

It is advisable for the patient to raise the head end of the bed by placing pillows below the head up to a height of 6 inches. This prevents regurgitation of food while sleeping.

Herbal remedies: Herbs such as fennel seeds, licorice and black walnut should be added to your diet to enhance digestion and combat hiatus hernia effectively. Ginger root is a powerful herb that is found in various kitchens all around the globe. Take about 1 inch ginger root and boil it in water for about 5 minutes. Sip this once it cools down. This helps treat indigestion, flatulence and stomach discomfort. Aloe Vera is a multipurpose herb that is highly beneficial in treating a number of ailments, including hiatus hernia. The juice of Aloe Vera leaves helps combat gastrointestinal distress and enhances digestion. Taking it on a daily basis can help relieve your condition.